Al-Hasawi Lime

Al-Hasawi Lime, also known as 'al-Lumi al-Hasawi,' 'al-Qatif Lime,' and 'al-Ban Zahiri,' is widely cultivated in al-Ahsa Oasis in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is the second most significant agricultural product in al-Ahsa after dates. The governorate organizes an annual festival dedicated to the production, harvesting, and marketing of al-Hasawi Lime.

Al-Ahsa Governorate is home to approximately one hundred thousand fruit-bearing lime trees, spread over an area of about 250,000 ha. The annual production ranges between two thousand and 2,500 t. On average, each tree yields twenty-five to thirty kg per season, while the price per kg varies between SAR15 and SAR20.

Al-Hasawi lime trees require year-round care, which includes pruning, fertilization, and the addition of essential mineral elements according to a predetermined schedule to enhance productivity. Additional agricultural practices include sterilization, cleaning, spraying specialized pesticides, regular irrigation, and protection from harmful insects to ensure high-quality yields.

Al-Hasawi lime is distinguished by its unique taste and fragrant aroma. It remains fresh for an extended period after harvesting and is known for its thin peel and high juice content compared to other citrus fruits. It has various culinary applications, including in cooking and food preparation, as well as in processing industries. One such product is "al-Jameed," where limes are sun-dried and aged before being sealed in glass containers for use in cooking and juices throughout the year.

Al-Hasawi lime is a rich source of magnesium, potassium, and antioxidants. It also contains vitamin C, which enhances iron absorption in the body, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with iron deficiency and anemia.

Al-Ahsa Governorate is home to the Lime Agricultural City, which was launched by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture in 2024, covering an area of over three million m. The project aims to encourage farmers to expand lime cultivation. Additionally, it features agricultural infrastructure, including covered and open drainage systems, farm roads, irrigation networks, and windbreaks. The city comprises fifty-four land plots, including six plots for auxiliary services ranging in size from 35,000 to 67,000 m. The project includes fifty thousand trees, with a total of one hundred thousand lime and citron trees planned, all irrigated with recycled water.

Al-Ahsa Governorate hosts al-Lumi al-Hasawi Festival annually. The first edition was held in 2024. It is organized by al-Ahsa branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, in collaboration with the governorate, the chamber of commerce, and al-Ahsa Development Authority, with participation from both public and private sector entities, including the Culinary Arts Commission.

The festival aims to encourage farmers and raise awareness about the importance of the product, support product innovators, investors, and small-scale producers in enhancing its production and marketing, develop derivative and processing industries, highlight its significance, products, and by-products, and provide a marketing platform for al-Lumi al-Hasawi. The event seeks to attract outstanding projects related to lime-based products and promote innovation in food and processing industries that rely on al-Hasawi lime. It targets farmers, small-scale producers, investors, food and agricultural institutions, and processing factories.

The festival features an auction for selling limes and a marketplace showcasing various lime-based products with the participation of small-scale producers. It also includes competitions, discussion panels, and workshops focusing on the development and marketing of al-Lumi al-Hasawi products. The festival includes a documentary section to promote the product and enhance its added value by highlighting investment opportunities and agricultural production. It also features live demonstrations of the processing of derivative and value-added products made from al-Lumi al-Hasawi, traditional crafts related to its cultivation, harvesting, and product manufacturing, as well as a scientific exhibition and live cooking demonstrations. The festival also offers an experience to explore the characteristics of al-Lumi al-Hasawi, its nutritional and health benefits, and to learn about its cultivation techniques, care methods, and investment and entrepreneurial opportunities in its farming, trade, and industry.